| The main contractor for the University of Cumbria’s new Citadels campus project, Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), is hosting a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event on Tuesday 13 June to enable local suppliers and contractors to find out more about the project. Supported by Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and the Construction Industry Training Board
(CITB), the SRM project team will be on hand during the event which
is being held at the Carlisle Station Hotel between 9am-2pm.
Planning permission for the new
campus development, which will be delivered in two phases, was granted in
August 2022. The new campus is on track to open in August 2026 and prebuild
site investigations for phase one will begin later this year.
Partner discussions are ongoing
to explore how to deliver best value for money for the c£78m first stage of the
development, particularly to maximise the amount (and utility) of space which
can be built and refurbished as part of the full campus design plans.
The first phase includes the
development of a gateway building on English Street as the main entrance to the
university campus and a new teaching block, along with the repurposing of the
Woolworths and Burton’s buildings. Phase One development will also include
external works, car parking around the development and the introduction of an
amphitheatrical courtyard area.
SRM are keen to meet with local
suppliers and contractors to discuss the exciting collaboration opportunities
related to the project and SRM Project Manager, Mark Robson said: “Given the phased
nature of the project, combining elements of new build, refurbishment and works
to heritage structures, there are many opportunities to take part in this
exciting scheme and we would emphasise it is particularly relevant to small and
medium enterprises across a variety of trades.
“As a leading contractor we work
closely with our supply chain partners to develop skills and competencies,
building strong relationships for the long term, and we are keen to work with
small and medium enterprises aligned with our inclusive values, willing to make
a positive impact on the local communities and environment.”
Following the opening of phase
one in August 2026, the university’s Fusehill Street campus will remain in
operation for a period to be determined, as well as providing the first home to
the Cumbria School of Medicine. Due to open in 2025, the graduate entry medical
school being developed in partnership with Imperial College London aims to
encourage more doctors to stay and work in Cumbria.
University of Cumbria vice
chancellor, Professor Julie Mennell DL said: “A truly transformational project,
the new Citadels campus will increase the accessibility, reach and impact of
our academic offer and stimulate greater vibrancy, footfall and investment in
our city.
“As with any project of this
size and type, there are always challenges and issues to deal with, exacerbated
most recently by inflationary pressures.
“The new Citadels Campus is just
one part of the successful delivery of our Towards 2030 Strategy, ambition and
objectives and we are keen to fully develop the site in the longer term.”
The first stage of the project is being enabled
through funding secured from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal
(£50million), Carlisle Town Deal Fund (£5million) and university funding. | 
